Montessori Director of Elementary & Middle School

Company Description

Columbus Montessori Education Center (CMEC), founded in 1984, is a non-profit, independent Montessori school in Columbus, Ohio, serving children from 6 weeks through 6th grade. CMEC is dedicated to fostering self-discovery, individuality, diversity, and ensuring Montessori education is accessible to all learners.

Position Overview:

The Montessori Director of Elementary & Middle School (Grades 1–8) serves as the instructional and operational leader of the Elementary and Middle School programs. This role ensures fidelity to Montessori philosophy while aligning with state standards, compliance requirements, and the school’s mission.

The Director champions the school’s Portrait of a Graduate, ensuring that students develop as confident, empathetic, and purposeful leaders; independent thinkers; collaborative problem-solvers; and globally minded citizens. Through strong instructional leadership, staff development, and community engagement, the principal creates an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership
• Uphold and implement authentic Montessori practices across Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School programs
• Ensure alignment between Montessori curriculum and state standards while maintaining program integrity
• Lead implementation of school-wide academic priorities, including literacy initiatives and data-driven instruction
• Use assessment tools (e.g., MAP, STAR, State Testing) to monitor student growth and guide instructional decisions
• Collaborate with Montessori coaches to ensure consistency, growth, and excellence across classrooms
• Ensure classroom environments reflect independence, curiosity, and student ownership of learning
• Embed the CMEC’s Portrait of a Graduate into daily classroom practice, school culture, and instructional planning.

Support Teachers in Fostering:
• Independence and critical thinking
• Collaboration and problem-solving
• Leadership and responsibility
• Respect for diversity and global awareness
• Ensure student experiences (academic, social, and extracurricular) align with the long-term vision for graduates

Staff Leadership and Development:
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate teaching and support staff
• Lead ongoing professional development aligned with Montessori philosophy and school priorities
• Foster a reflective, growth-oriented culture grounded in continuous improvement
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of high-quality Montessori educators

Student Support and School Culture:
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful school climate rooted in Montessori values
• Oversee student behavior and discipline using developmentally appropriate, restorative approaches
• Partner with Student Services to support diverse learners and individualized student needs
• Ensure clear, proactive communication with families regarding student progress and development

Compliance & Operations
• Ensure compliance with all Ohio Department of Education regulations and reporting requirements
• Oversee implementation and monitoring of federal and state funding programs (Title I, II, III, IV)
• Ensure adherence to state assessment, reporting, and accountability systems
• Support licensing and quality standards
• Collaborate with operations staff to maintain a safe, organized, and effective learning environment

Family and Community Engagement
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with families through consistent and transparent communication
• Support admissions, enrollment, and retention efforts by clearly articulating the school’s mission and outcomes
• Lead parent education opportunities connected to Montessori philosophy and the Portrait of a Graduate
• Represent the school within the broader community and strengthen partnerships

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred
• Montessori credential (AMI, AMS, or MACTE-accredited program) required
• Minimum of 3 years of administrative or school leadership experience
• Experience in a Montessori school setting strongly preferred
• Knowledge of Title funding (Title I, II, III, IV) and compliance requirements
• Strong understanding of Ohio Department of Education rules, state testing, and regulatory compliance
• Demonstrated experience in instructional leadership, coaching, and staff development

Key Skills and Competencies:
• Deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development (ages 6–14)
• Ability to translate vision (Portrait of a Graduate) into daily practice
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Data-informed decision-making and problem-solving
• Ability to balance Montessori integrity with state and federal requirements
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and serving diverse learners
• Experience supporting diverse learners and inclusive practices

Work Environment:
• In person, Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM -4:30 PM
• Full-time, year-round position
• Occasional evening or weekend commitments (family events, board meetings, school functions)

Compensation:
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Benefits package including health, retirement, and professional development

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Ability to Relocate:
• Columbus, OH 43227: Relocate before starting work (Required)
• Work Location: In person